Joseph F. “Joe” Kinney, 82

Joseph F. “Joe” Kinney, age 82 of Flat Rock, died Monday, May 22nd, 2017 at Margaret R. Pardee Memorial Hospital. Joe was born August 27th, 1934 in Brooklyn, New York; a son of the late, Joseph F. and Sarah Riley Kinney.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York; Joe was a graduate of Brooklyn Preparatory High School and St. Peter’s College, Jersey City, NJ in 1956 Jesuit Schools, with a degree in Marketing. He was a true Jesuit product and was always so proud of his Jesuit education. He always said “you can always spot a Jesuit educated student, they never back down, they always stand their ground”. He joined the Empire Trust Company (now Bank of NY Mellon) in 1956 after graduation from St. Peter’s. He worked his way up to Vice President of Corporate Trust Administration where he was a New Business Officer, requiring him to travel extensively. Joe lived in Hillsborough, New Jersey with his wife, Joan for many years before his retirement in 1990. In 1992 they relocated to Flat Rock where they continued to enjoy each other’s company surrounded by the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina.
Joe was an avid and competitive golfer who enjoyed the challenges of any course that he played. He was a faithful player every weekend and never turned down any other available tee time. He loved playing with his DEAR friend, Joe Morrow. He loved reading his daily newspapers, the NYT, WSJ which he had read faithfully for over 50 years as well as his local paper. His extensive knowledge of not only national but international topics provided him the ability to discuss and banter intelligently over them all. . He was a true sports fan of all major events, but was well known for being not only a diehard New York Giants football fan, but as a loyal St. Louis Cardinal baseball fan. Having the Red Cardinal as the North Carolina Bird suited him just fine.
He was a wonderful loving husband to his wife, Joan. They were married for 54 wonderful and interesting years. They traveled extensively together.
In addition to his wife, Joan; Joe is survived by his very close surrogate family who has been a big part of his and Joan’s life as well as his many friends. He was loved by many.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 31st, 2017 in the Sanctuary of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church celebrated by Father Martin Schratz. Entombment will be at a later date in Florida.
His family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Home. A Rosary will be said at 4:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Brooklyn Prep Alumni Association, 2540 Hughes Avenue, Bronx, N.Y. 10458.
An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.